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Highlights & Basics
- Keloid is a form of abnormal scarring that occurs in susceptible individuals.
- More common in darker skin types.
- Diagnosis is clinical.
- Treatment options include injectable preparations, cryotherapy, as well as surgery and radiation therapy.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Elevated, red, smooth, nodule of scar tissue; arose in the site of an acne lesion that had been squeezed
Red, elevated keloid; edges blend into the surrounding skin; arose in a vaccination site in the left upper arm
An extensive keloid has been previously excised and the defect skin grafted; keloid scarring has subsequently developed at the peripheries
The timelines for normal, hypertrophic, and keloid scar formation. Keloid scarring is different in that it does not mature (involute); expansion may occur but, in contrast to hypertrophic scarring, contraction does not occur either in the scar or in the surrounding tissue
Stable keloid due to ear piercing
A typical presternal keloid; presence of central bridging, an elevated rolled edge and flattened peripheral extensions
Keloid reaction following a vaccination in the deltoid region; following surgical excision the entire length of the scar developed a keloid-like appearance
A hypertrophic scar before excision to correct contraction deformity following a burn
Contraction deformity of little finger corrected by excision
Citations
Ogawa R. The most current algorithms for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids: a 2020 update of the algorithms published 10 years ago. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jan 1;149(1):79e-94e.[Abstract][Full Text]
Ogawa R, Akita S, Akaishi S, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars - Japan Scar Workshop consensus document 2018. Burns Trauma. 2019;7:39.[Abstract]
Gold MH, Berman B, Clementoni MT, et al. Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management: part 1 - evaluating the evidence. Dermatol Surg. 2014 Aug;40(8):817-24.[Abstract]
Royal College of Radiologists. Recommendations for using radiotherapy for benign disease in the UK. 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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